OUR TEAM

Chair

Jade is the principal of JMR Advisory and one of the founding directors of Energy Transition Solutions – an Australian developer of utility scale energy projects with a focus on sustainable energy projects to assist in the transition of the Australian energy market to a renewable energy future.  During her 22 year legal career, Jade has worked in large private law firms in Australia and the United Kingdom including 8 years as a partner and also in-house as a General Counsel for 3 years. She was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and High Court of Australia in 2002. Jade completed the Australian Institute for Company Directors Course in 2011 and has regularly advised and worked extensively with boards throughout her career. 
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Deputy Chair

Since 2013 George has served as Director of the Comfort Feet Podiatry Group and Managing Director of Comfort Feet Podiatry Franchising. As Managing Director of the Group’s Clinics, George is responsible for overseeing the growth of the Clinic Footprint in Australia as well as the Strategic Development of Products and Services. Prior to that George served in several Senior Executive roles for Vodafone Group PLC spanning over 13 years, including roles in Strategy, CRM & Online, and Mergers & Acquisitions.
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Arthur has served as the Chief Operating Officer – International at REA Group Limited from 2015 until early 2017. As REA Group’s Chief Operating Officer – International, Arthur Charlaftis was responsible for leading the international operations of REA Group, including Southeast Asia and a strategic investment in North America. He also managed the Group’s international strategy including international mergers and acquisitions. Arthur joined REA Group in August 2011 as General Manager, Sales & Operations. In this role, Arthur was responsible for sales strategy, customer service and operational efficiencies across the residential, commercial, developer and media businesses. He has more than 20 years’ experience in sales, marketing and business development including nine years with multinational pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Prior to joining GSK, Arthur worked for Lilly For 13 years and gained valuable international experience working in Puerto Rico, the West Indies, and Central America. Arthur holds a Bachelor of Science from Monash University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Chair Finance, Audit & Risk Committee

David has extensive experience in a variety of sectors including funds management, real estate, hospitality and pubs, and banking. David has previously held positions in ASX listed organisations including as CEO and Managing Director of Hotel Property Investments Ltd, and Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of the Redcape Hotel Group. David has also held senior finance roles at Coles Group Ltd, Spotless Group Ltd, Ansett Australia and Citibank UK. His skills include organisational leadership, stakeholder relations, corporate governance, risk management and finance. David completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course in 2018 and has actively worked in corporate Boardrooms over the last decade.
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Dipak is a pharmacist and owns a group of pharmacies in Victoria. He is the Chair Monash Health Board and Chair of Member Benefits Australia Pty Ltd. Previous positions held include President of the Pharmacy Guild during 2006-2011, Chair of Gold Cross Products and Services Pty Ltd, Chair of Return of Unwanted Medicines, Board Member of Guild Insurance and Superannuation Company and Merridian Lawyers and several other Board positions in community and the pharmaceutical industry.
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John is an executive leader with a distinguished career using data insights to develop policy, and deliver effective communication and campaign strategies. John is the Co-Founder and Director of data and analytics firm The Red Fox Group where he advises some of the country’s most successful companies on data-driven strategies. John also has experience at the highest levels of government, including four years as the Chief of Staff to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
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Natalie is a qualified Business Broker with an extensive background in the pharmacy industry. She has Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Melbourne which included majors in Actuarial Studies, Finance, Mathematics and Statistics. Natalie’s work experience includes several roles managing various aspects such as valuations for pharmacies, research & statistics management. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Business Brokers (AIBB).

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Erica is an executive leader with more than 20 years’ experience in human resources and organisational effectiveness across large and mid-sized financial, professional services, mining and public policy industries.  Her previous experience includes executive roles with GMHBA, Guild Group, BHP Billiton, Grattan Institute and ANZ Bank, encompassing human resources, generalist operations, project and planning portfolios. Erica holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science from La Trobe University, a Graduate Diploma in Business from Victoria University and several professional accreditations, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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Kerry’s qualifications and experience over 60 years, initially as a Registered Nurse then counsellor and psychotherapist in the public, private and community sectors has given her insight into the challenges for people living with musculoskeletal conditions and navigating the health systems. Her personal experiences of serious accidents, first in her 20s, radically changing her lifestyle and employment options and again, aged 70 (being run over on a pedestrian crossing walking to work) have enabled her to understand enduring pain and reduced mobility and lifestyle enjoyment. Kerry hopes that she can add to the MSK voice in increasing consumer-based decision-making.

Chair

Angela is a Wailwan/Ngemba woman. She has had rheumatoid disease since 2013, osteoarthritis, and a few other chronic illnesses. Angela thinks that musculoskeletal conditions can be a daunting diagnosis. Angela feels very privileged to have joined the MSK Consumer Advisory Committee and be given the opportunity to be a more vocal and supportive advocate for musculoskeletal conditions. Angela wants to be a change agent for awareness of the high impact musculoskeletal diseases have on people’s lives. Through community awareness and support, Angela believes we can contribute to people’s wellbeing, both physical and mentally.

Melissa has extensive lived experience of invisible disability, having been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (in 2008), fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Wanting her lived experience to have a meaningful impact, she has been actively involved in various committees, boards, and consumer-focused health organisations, receiving the Arthritis Victoria (now MSK) Margaret Strang Award in 2012. She feels honoured to join the MSK Consumer Advisory Committee and work with the other MSK consumer representatives. Melissa is particularly passionate about reducing discrimination when accessing healthcare and supports. Melissa is a mum to two bright and gorgeous daughters, as well as being an academic researcher with interests in autism, women’s health, wellbeing, employment, and intersectionality in these areas.

Rachael was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in 2014. Learning to manage her condition with a young family has been a rollercoaster journey. Rachael recently joined the MSK Consumer Advisory Committee as an opportunity to contribute to the work of MSK and to give back as a consumer, rather than a health worker. Rachael has worked in various management and project roles in the NSW health system for over twenty years. Rachael is very passionate about person-centred care, meaningful consumer engagement and ensuring equity in accessing health services.

Developing symptoms at age 17, it would be three years before Sophie received a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Now 30, Sophie has navigated tertiary studies, travel, work and relationships with a chronic illness. Sophie works in Program Management in the not-for-profit sector. In her role, she often reaches out to those with lived experience for their input to various campaigns – and decided she could do the same for others living with Musculoskeletal conditions. She is particularly interested in assisting other young adults with inflammatory conditions.

Paul spent 30+ years in senior roles In the Information Technology and Telecommunications Industry before succumbing to several life-changing, health events. After a turbulent adjustment period, he came to terms with the many mental and physical health conditions that now dominate his life – chronic back pain, Dupuytren’s contracture, arthritis and knee and shoulder pain. Yet, at the same time, this life change provided a platform for new meaning and purpose with Paul making contributions in the areas of mental health, suicide prevention and now, musculoskeletal health. Paul’s goal is to combine his business acumen with his extensive lived experience to improve the lives of others facing health issues.

Mikayla lives in regional Victoria and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the age 0f 12. Having RA has affected Mikayla’s quality of life, as there are a lot of everyday tasks that are difficult for her and the ongoing treatment for RA is extensive. Despite all this, Mikayla’s outlook for the future is positive and she hopes that, in time, she can be pain free and be able to live somewhat of a normal lifestyle. She also has an Instagram page dedicated to her journey with RA and shares her life with people to show them the good and bad days dealing with RA.

Robyn was initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2014. In 2017, the diagnosis was changed to psoriatic arthritis. She also has other conditions, including osteoarthritis. Robyn has had a total knee replacement and bi-lateral foot surgery. A retired Certified Practising Accountant and IT professional, Robyn believes the voice of patients is extremely important, particularly with life-long chronic illnesses impacting so much of patients’ lives, including employability. With particular interest in cognitive impairment (commonly referred to as “brain fog”) and fatigue symptoms, Robyn hopes to use her experience to help fellow patients navigate the challenging pathways of chronic illness. 

Kate is a registered health promotion practitioner and communications specialist from Melbourne. Alongside her work in the health sector, she has spent most of her adult life managing complex chronic conditions. Kate was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2022 after years of widespread pain. Like many people who go through diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions, she found it challenging to find the right support. Kate always sees the strengths in her lived experience and enjoys applying her personal and professional insights to create positive impact. She hopes her voice will support the work of MSK and the large community of Australians who live with musculoskeletal conditions.